Dark Desires

Penny couldn't help it she didn't know why but something deep inside her told her she had to go to Him had to convince him to keep her. Convince him that she was what he desired no the destruction of the village. It was the only way she knew to save the people of her village, even though to them she was a pagan outcast and shunned by most she had to do it, she was going to do it. so at two minutes past three am Penny packed a small sack with some food and clothes along with her mother's locket and left the tiny make shift hut she had just outside the village and started out on foot to the coldhearted Lord Embers estate. Four weeks earlier it had been Lord Embers order that was carried out that resulted in the murder of 5 innocent people.

So penny was doing this to save the others. as dawn approached the rains started with no place to go for warmth or shelter she pressed on it would be another 2 days before she reached the estate and though her body shook with fear at what would happen to her she did not turn back. The rains had finally stopped when she stopped to rest at a small brook around noon. She had made good time thus far despite the rain, a few hours of rest shouldn't hurt and the water was so clear here. Removing her shoes and raising her dress Penny stepped carefully out in to the water. ~gasp~

The water had just an icy bite to it after all winter would be here soon but oh did it feel good on her sore feet. She smiled to herself and closed her eyes as the water flowed around her feet, unaware she was being watched. The sudden sound of a nostril flare made her eyes snap open in surprise and the sight of the man on horseback watching her made her lose her footing to the point of almost falling. As the riders smile darkened and he slowly came towards her, Penny's eyes darted around for anything she could use to defend herself if it came to that. And started to slowly move backwards to shore never taking her eyes off him now as he continued advancing towards her. His hair was wild n lose and came just past his shoulders which wasn't all that strange. Nor was its golden brown color. What was strange was the way he was looking at her. It sent shivers up n down her spine. His voice was rich and deep when he finally spoke, stopping his dark paint a few feet from her. '' And what do we have here a water nymph perhaps?'' jumping from the horse he quickly closed the space between them for a much closer look.

Penny jumped when his fingers barely caressed her cheek and brought her chin up to meet his gaze

His touch was warm and surprisingly tender. '' You seem to be far from home and alone little nymph....'' he glanced quickly to her small sack lying in the grass and back to her with a raise brow '' running away are we little one? '' He's voice full of fake concern, smiling as he watched her body tremble from his barest touch. Causing him to wonder how the girl would react to more. Smiling again when she almost leaned for his touch as he pulled his hand away. Penny's voice was low n shy as she silently scowled herself for her behavior and fought to regain control '' no sir not running away I making a trade.'' her words were meet with laughter as he took her arm still tender but firm and lead her out of the water, releasing her once on land . '' Indeed little nymph and what kind of trade makes you bring your belongs with you? Or perhaps you are a thief and those are your stolen goods. '' Penny picked the sack up slowly and clutched it to her closely feeling his gaze she sat down in the damp grass refusing to meet his gaze. '' No sir not a thief and the trade is myself for the safety of my village. ''

Ember studied the young beauty closely now. she was of a lower class in her village he could tell by her clothes and what few belongs she had perhaps even an outcast, but it didn't hide her beauty, she was a little pale but that was nothing a good meal and some warmth couldn't fix. Her auburn hair was braided nice n tightly down her back inner twined with a thin pale green ribbon that matched her eyes. She had some curve to her he noticed as her dress shaped her body nicely. Yes a true beauty to behold. '' I see and who is this lucky to be offered such a rare trade?'' her eyes shot to his amused face and a flash of fear showed on her soft face, and whispered almost sadly '' a coldhearted monster sir. I go to the Lord Ember to try and save my village from his rage. ''

A monster am I? Interesting. I wonder what lies this girls been told.

No matter ill show her the truth. Soon. She'd learn soon.

Grabbing the reins He mounted quickly and smiles at her warmly and bowed his head to her. "Well little water nymph. Good day and good luck on your journey. Till we meet again fair well." turning his horse and riding away to make ready his little guests arrival. Penny stared after him secretly wishing he'd stayed longer, her cheeks flushing at the thought of his tender caress. Though she knew it was hopeless as she watched the rider slowly fade away in the distance she couldn't help but wonder would she ever see him again ever be trapped by those dark eyes and how they looked at her? She shook her head scolding herself again for such foolish thoughts. So she would be the monsters and such rubbish ideas would be hopeless. If she was to save the village she had to forget and banish all thoughts of freedom from her mind, n so with a sigh she once again continued on her way to face her willing imprisonment.

There was no time to waste. Everything had to be perfect when the little nymph arrived. A monster was he? The thought made him laugh. Oh yes he was many things alright; a rebel, thief, fearless warrior, outlaw to some, and a gentle and wonderful lover if he did say so himself but defiantly not a monster... Ember smiled as he watched a young boy being chased from the kitchen with a broom a turkey leg and small fruit pie in the boy's hands. It was little Thomas the stable boy. Though amused at the sight he had other more important matters at hand. Hiding his amusement as he rode up and blocked the boys escape, his voice was firm '' Thomas! Haven't you had your dinner already?'' the boy grinned and looked up at his Lord. Ember had caught him at this before and knew that he was safe from the cooks beating. '' Aye Sir but a second helpin aint never hurt no one Sir. ''

Ember couldn't help but smile '' indeed. And neither did a little hard work Thomas. After you have finished off your 'second helping' report to the kitchen for the night. ''

The boys grin was gone and a pout was in its place. '' Aye my Lord.''

He chuckled as he rode away quickly stabling his horse and getting everything in order for his guest.so all that was left was to wait. But as darkness fell he began to grow inpatient when she did not arrive and did not arrive. Is she lost? Should I send the men to find her and bring her here? No cant then she will know she's expected and my plans will be ruined. No I must wait. I must calm down and wait.... oh where the hell is that girl? For hours he was in a constant state of self-arguing and I was getting him no were and giving him no peace. Ember jumped to his feet in excitement when the words he'd been waiting for finally came '' my Lord you have a visitor, a young lass Sir. Shall I send her away?'' she was here. Finally here. Finally in my reach. Away? What? Send her away? Never!

The thought made him almost shout at David for saying such foolish words taking a breath to calm his nerves he ran a hand loosely through his hair and grinned more to himself then to the servant standing by the doorway.

'' No she is expected show her to my study at once. Inform the cook that a large meal is to be made, David.'' David shook his head in disapproval but nodded and bowed out with stern ''yes my Lord'' while muttering under his breath about it being nonsense to allow such low riff raff in to the keep as he shut the door

Ember just shook his head sadly he knew the old man meant well just wished he had a better view of people. With a final check to make sure he looked proper he left to meet his little water nymph again.

Penny was shaking with fear as she forced herself to knock at the door. She was finally here, here at the monster's estate soon to become his willing captive. Here to trade her life for the lives of her village. A by all the gods how she wanted to run. To run and never look back. No! She would be stronger then her fear. She had to be. So with a shaking trembling hand she grabbed the cold iron knocker and banged it. Willing herself not to jump as a stern and wrinkled old man opened and coldly looked her up and down. His voice was just as cold '' be gone whelp we don't take beggars here.''

Penny had to put a small foot in the door to keep him from closing it, though it wouldn't take much for him to push her out of the way and she knew it. as bravely as she could and in a soft warm voice she replied '' No no Sir I'm not a beggar Sir I've come to see the monst-- to see Lord Ember to to make a trade. Please let me see him.''

The man's eyes narrowed and he glared at her wanting very much to slap her

'' Wait here.... whelp''

He spat and kicked her foot from the door. She felt tears fill her eyes as the door was shut

Short time later it opened and the same cold looking man order her to follow him. She was lead to a beautiful study and left alone with a rough '' you steal anything your wish you'd never been born girl!''

Penny didn't dare tell him shed wished that many times already. Left alone she tried again to shake off her growing fear. And wondered around the beautiful study her eyes drawn to the tapestry of a unicorn bowing to a silver dragon. She couldn't help but touch it. '' Beautiful '' penny spun and gave a cry of surprise at the sound of the deep voice. Knocking over a small statue and quickly knelt to pick up a broken pieces, stopping when strong hands covered hers '' I I I'm sorry Sir I didn't mean t to knock it over'' she whispered as she stared at the hands that covered hers. '' No my dear the fault is mine I should have made my presence known. But don't all 'monsters' lurk in the shadows?'' he's voice was low and smooth and full of amusement. Her eyes shot to him at the word monster. And her breath caught. He was the rider shed meet at the brook. He smiled and ran his knuckles against her cheek '' hello my little water nymph, we meet again.'' her eyes closed at his touch and a soft sigh escaped her lips. He smiled again before pulling her up to her feet again and kicking the broken statue into the corner. '' Now about this trade of yours?'' he released her and took a few steps back to study her and her reaction. Penny's body trembling and her voice was shaking as she finally spoke again ''yes Sir myself for the safety of my village.'' her eyes looked everywhere but at him stopping again on the tapestry. '' It is beautiful my Lord you were right.''

His chuckle brought her eyes to his face again '' I was not talking about the wall rug my dear.''

She bit her lip and looked away again very aware that his eyes were on her watching her every movement and it made her heart race. Her hands twisted in the folds of her dress nervously as she wondered what he would do. "Your trade is not acceptable....." Ember started and paused to watch her reaction he hid a chuckle as she almost jumped out of the chair '' but my Lord I---'' she started but his hand cut her off as he closed the distance between them and held her trapped in his gaze, his voice was softer now almost a seductive tone as he spoke again. "Your trade is not acceptable IF you are going to be in constant fear of ME. My dear I don't know what lies you've been told but I am No Monster, you will come to no harm here, nor am I a danger to your village. You are welcome to stay and are free to come and go as you wish lass."

Ember told her even as he cursed his self. God what am I saying the lass is not leaving she's mine! But I will not have her in fear!

Penny studied his face with wide surprised eyes. she saw no lies in his dark eyes... no not lies but something was there something she was not expecting to find there ... hunger... intense hunger and it made her shiver, licking her suddenly dry lips she did something that shocked them both....raising up on tippy toes she placed her small soft hands on his chest feeling his heartbeat quicken through the soft linen fabric and kissed his lips softly and shyly letting her eyes close at how they felt against hers.

Ember's arms wrapped around her and held her tightly against him as he took control of the kiss teasing her lips with his tongue slowly till she opened and allowed his tongue to explore the heated warmth of her mouth. A combined moan filled the air as the kiss went on her body trembling in his firm arms, she blushed breathless as he broke the kiss but did not release his hold on her. his hands rubbing up and down her back a few minutes before releasing her and stepping back put little distance between them and as their eyes mat it was him that was trapped now in a olive green ocean she could see his was darker unaware the effect hers had on him at that moment. She blinked and blushed again unknowingly breaking the spell. "Careful my little nymph you shouldn't play with fire. I may not stop with just a kiss next time!" and with that he left the room. Penny sunk to the floor her whole body shaking and trembling helplessly. 'Oh by all the gods what had she just done? What would happen now? But oh how she loved the feel of his lips and his tongue. He had to get away from her or he was going to take her right then and there and that's not the way he wanted to have her. God how he wanted her but when he took his little nymph it would be slow and not rushed. Nearly knocking David down as he jerked the door open and rushed out. His voice a growl when he saw the old man spying and spoke. "See No Harm Comes To 'MY NYMPH'! Show HER To The Best Room! Do Not Question Just See It Done!" before heading for the stables, a long ride would do him good right now. In no time a shaken Thomas had his horse saddled and ready, with a rough ''Thank you'' Ember yanked hard on the reins and kicked his heels in making the horse break out in a run and a shaken Thomas jumping in to the hay to escape the animal's powerful hooves.

David stared after his Lord with jaw dropped and eyes wide. He did not trust the whelp so had stayed and listened at the door, what he heard made him now take another look at the whelp. He still didn't trust her but now looked on her with pity. He'd never seen Ember act so protective and... Careful with any lass and why would lass fight to trade her life for a cold hearted village? He would watch the whelp more closely. Looking down at her he cleared his throat to get her attention. "Come whelp to your room." Penny followed without a word till she noticed he was leading her to the finer rooms and she stopped. "No please give me a plain room Sir."

"You will take the room Lord Ember's wishes you to have girl.'' David stopped and for the first time touched her, his hands held her cheeks almost tenderly as he studied her eyes. ''Seems you have won his favor lass, something that does not happen often. Now come along." he released her and opened the door for her. "Will come for you at dinner and yes I can see your fear you're not hiding it as well as you think you are." in the next minute the tenderness was gone again. "Remember steal anything and ----"

"I know Sir I'll wish I wasn't born." Penny finished for him earning a short lived smile; the old man nodded and closed the door, leaving her alone. Once again she found herself in a beautiful room. Like the study this room to have amazingly beautiful tapestries hanging along the walls.

Gain they showed the unicorn and silver dragon both in different stages of peace and rest. She rubbed her hands tenderly along the fabric and closed her eyes imagining what they would feel like if real and sighed finally starting to relax. Letting her fingers drop she turned her attention to building a fire to heat and take away the chill in the room, thankful for the soft rug that covered most of the stone floor. She had just got the fire going good when she heard the sound of footsteps, they paused at her door and she held her breath letting it out only after they had moved away and faded. Dinner came and went but she did not see any sign of Lord Ember which strangely filled her with both joy and sadness. asking David about his absence but the old man just changed the subject as he walked her back to her room and bid her a good night. afraid to use the bed Penny curled up on the rug in front of the glowing fire and closed her eyes to sleep, her mind fill with thoughts of Lord Ember and what had happened in the study with him..... mmm. She moans softly as she fades in to sleep.

Penny sighed as strong but gentle arms carefully lifted her and carried her to the bed, lips pressed lightly against her forehead as the covers were pulled up around her body; in a sleepy whisper asked the person to stay but only the soft closing of the door answered her back. Again she faded back to sleep and again the nightmares started. The village was in flames nothing was spared from the torches the scent of burning flesh and sounds of agonized screams filled the air mixing with the rolling clouds of black smoke. Patches of dark red soaked snow lay beside fallen bodies and slowly grew larger. Penny stood in the center of the chaos screaming but her screams were soundless. Horror showed on her tear covered face as all she could do was watch helplessly as the massacre of her village continued. Only now she could not see the riders faces they were all blank. She awoke to the feel of someone slapping her face and a rough voice ordering her to wake up! When her eyes finally opened it was to find the old servant David with his hand half raised again and concern on his face. "Enough David, the lass is awake now, go fetch her some strong ale." a shirtless Ember was in a shadowed corner and looked a wreck his hands were in tight fists at his sides and his lips tight as if fighting a strong rage. An indeed he was, the sight of David's hand slapping the lass awake was almost more than he could stand but when the shaking hadn't worked he'd given the ok. Penny sat up a little clutching the covers around her shaking body. By the gods it was so real. She looked around the room slowly there was no smoke, no snow or dead bodies. She could feel his intense gaze on her and didn't dare meet it. She tried to regain control of herself as David entered and quickly brought her a large cup of ale and almost seemed to fuss over her like a mother hen would true concern on his hard weathered face. "Th-thank you David." Finally Ember had had enough as he cleared his throat and moved to the end of the bed. "Leave us David!"

The old man knew it was no use arguing so with another quick check of Penny's health he left

her breath caught and it took all her will power not to move away when Ember sat down inches from her covered body his half naked body so close to her it made her tremble all over again as it leaned closer one arm resting across her legs trapping her there she knew he was studying her could feel his intense gaze and it was all she could do to not squirm but she still could not meet his gaze her eyes silently memorizing the lines of his bare chest she licked her lips and he chuckled.. But there was no emotion to it and that scared her. Slowly he cupped her chin with his free hand and forced her to meet his gaze. his eyes held her trapped as he studied her before wrapping her in his arms and held her tightly to him whispering in her ear '' I want you sweet nymph" and softly kissing her neck causing Penny to whimper and gasp.

Penny's breathe quickened and her body arched against her will as she closed her eyes trying her best to keep control of her body. A low moan escaped her throat as she felt the velvet softness of his lips as they nipped and caressed along the skin of her throat leaving a trail of goose bumps. 'Oh god if he kept this up she was sure she was going to burst into flames right then and there. She tried to wiggle a little to put a little space between them but Ember wasn't going to be stopped that easily. What was it he had said last time? ''Be careful lass next time I may not stop at just a kiss.'' did she want him to stop? the sound of his voice broke through her thoughts and her eyes opened to find him smiling down at her, his face inches from hers studying her with amusement on his face but it didn't reach his eyes instead it made him sigh and pull away a little again he rake a hand through his hair as he continued to study her his voice was soft and low '' there's no need to fear me lass I'm not going to harm you. '' for several long minutes they just studied each other finally Penny could hold her desire at bay any longer licking her lips slowly she raised up to close the distance between them and claimed his lips. Not caring that by moving her body was now half exposed. Her kiss was not soft n shy like he was expecting it was demanding and full of hunger. Her fingers twisted into his hair as he took control of the kiss and gently pushed her back down on the bed.